Age estimation using pulp/tooth area ratio of permanent mandibular first premolar

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study was done to estimate age using pulp/tooth area ratio (PTR) of permanent left mandibular first premolar on digital orthopantamograph (OPG) with a commercially available software. The estimated age was compared with chronological age of all subjects in different age groups and also in male and female subjects. Materials and Methods: 200 patients of differing ages visiting the outpatient department of our dental hospital were included as study subjects. The digital OPGs were imported to AutoCAD, commercial (Computer Aided Design) software program developed by Autodesk and then the PTR was derived. The estimated age was calculated using linear regression equation and then compared statistically. Results: Age was calculated using linear regression analysis. The results revealed decreased PTR with an increase in age. Application of this formula gave a standard error of 8.586 years. The effect of gender showed low correlation between PTR and age. Analysis of variance test was used to compare chronological and estimated ages in all three age groups and it was found to be closely related to each other. Interpretation and Conclusion: This study confirms a superior age estimation ability of the formula developed, inferring that customized formulas developed for the local population are better suited for age estimation.

Keywords

• age assessment
• mandibular premolar
• pulp/tooth area ratio